Middle East

3,532 people convert to Judaism in Israel last year 

The conference, which was held for the first time, was attended by approximately 1,000 converts from all over the country who are in the midst of the conversion process.

2025-11-28T07:56:05.798845+00:00 IST

Plans being made to deal with future forest fires

This week, an inter-ministerial committee meeting for dealing with forest, woodland and open space fires was held, headed by the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Fire and Emergency Management and the Deputy Commissioner of the Fire Department, as part of the implementation of Government Resolutions 1091 and 1884 to establish buffer zones in local authorities for protection against fire and forest fires.

2025-11-28T07:40:58.722915+00:00 IST

RAK Ruler pardons 854 prisoners ahead of 54th Eid Al Etihad

The pardon comes in celebration of the UAE's 54th Eid Al Etihad.

2025-11-28T01:20:55.307419+00:00 IST

Korean embassy in UAE marks Republic of Korea national day

The reception, held at the St. Regis Corniche Hotel in Abu Dhabi, was attended by a number of members of the Arab and foreign diplomatic corps accredited to the UAE, along with members of the Korean community residing in the country.

2025-11-28T01:18:51.504725+00:00 IST

20th Sheikh Zayed Book Award announces longlists for 4 categories

The Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA) at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has released the longlists for the Literature, Young Author, Children's Literature and Editing of Arabic Manuscripts categories for its 20th edition (2025-2026), selected by the judging panels and now under evaluation.

2025-11-27T17:55:56.358083+00:00 IST

Israel launches broad counterterror sweep in Northern Samaria

The IDF and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) said the operation was triggered by efforts by Palestinian terror groups to entrench themselves in the area, alongside an uptick in attempted attacks.

2025-11-27T17:42:05.658419+00:00 IST

Mohammed bin Rashid pardons 2025 prisoners ahead of 54th Eid Al E

Chancellor Essam Issa Al-Humaidan, Attorney General of Dubai, said that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's order to pardon the prisoners reflects his keenness to bring happiness to their families and give them an opportunity to start a new life and reintegrate themselves into society.

2025-11-27T17:35:30.536121+00:00 IST

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Turkey on first foreign trip

During his four days in Turkey, Leo is scheduled to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan; local Catholic clergy; and leaders of other Christian groups, including Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, head of the Eastern Orthodox church.

2025-11-27T10:53:47.596537+00:00 IST

UAE appoints Hasan Al Nowais as industry ministry undersecretary

Hasan Jasem Nasser Al Nowais has been appointed Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. He previously held senior roles at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, M42 and Mubadala Health, contributing to major national projects and advancements in technology, industry, and innovation.

2025-11-27T09:32:47.314526+00:00 IST

NASA rover detects electrical discharges 'mini-lightning' on Mars

NASA's Perseverance rover has obtained evidence that the atmosphere of Mars is electrically active, detecting electrical discharges - what one scientist called "mini-lightning" - often associated with whirlwinds called dust devils that regularly saunter over the planet's surface.

2025-11-27T09:27:32.825975+00:00 IST

International Charity Organisation provides 50 dialysis machines

International Charity Organisation provides 50 dialysis machines to Syria

2025-11-27T09:14:51.852927+00:00 IST

UAE approves national encryption policy for post-quantum security

The UAE has approved a National Encryption Policy requiring government entities to shift from traditional encryption to post-quantum cryptography. The move strengthens national cybersecurity, supports digital transformation, and positions the UAE as a global leader in advanced, secure digital infrastructure.

2025-11-27T08:43:19.565651+00:00 IST

Terrorist eliminated after throwing explosives at Israeli Forces

During the night (Wednesday), as part of the "Five Stones" anti-terror offensive, IDF (Israel Defense Forces), a terrorist threw an explosive charge toward a Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit patrol in the Qabatiya area in Samaria.

2025-11-27T01:09:19.001398+00:00 IST

Israel to double VAT exemption limit on personal imports

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expanded the exemption from VAT on personal imports to a value of up to USD 150, up from the current limit of USD 75.

2025-11-27T01:07:37.775526+00:00 IST

It takes twice as long as it should to build new factories

An in-depth study by the Ministry of Economy and Industry, conducted in collaboration with the Planning Administration, presented a comprehensive and sharp picture of one of the main barriers to establishing and expanding factories in Israel: long licensing procedures, repeated iterations, and multiple approving agencies that create a significant bottleneck for Israeli industry.

2025-11-27T00:55:30.016712+00:00 IST

India, UAE hold 6th Joint Committee meeting on Consular Affairs

India and the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday held the 6th Meeting of the Joint Committee on Consular Affairs (JCCA) in Abu Dhabi, during which both sides reviewed cooperation on consular services, visa facilitation, and mutual legal assistance, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a release.

2025-11-26T11:42:15.116834+00:00 IST

New government interface aims to curb gender-based killings

As countries around the world mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Tuesday, Israel has rolled out a new digital interface designed to help prevent gender-based killings by closing long-criticised gaps between government agencies.

2025-11-26T01:26:09.706307+00:00 IST

Red Cross vehicles en route to receive remains of hostage

Red Cross vehicles are on their way to a point in Gaza to receive the remains of a hostage, the Israel Defense Forces said.

2025-11-26T00:48:52.755482+00:00 IST

Hamas transfers remains of hostage to the Red Cross

The Red Cross has received the remains of a hostage and is making its way to Israeli forces inside Gaza for a handover, the Israel Defence Forces said.

2025-11-26T00:46:15.509686+00:00 IST

Israeli forces receive temains of hostage

Israeli soldiers in Gaza have received from the Red Cross the remains of a hostage released by Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced.

2025-11-26T00:45:23.854894+00:00 IST

Lapid seeks Knesset approval of Trump plan, putting Netanyahu coa

"The entire Israeli people are grateful to President Trump for leading a courageous deal to free the hostages. We support him and strengthen his hand in efforts to implement the steps of the plan. I expect all parties to vote in favor of the president's plan," Lapid said.

2025-11-25T17:43:26.424026+00:00 IST